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Markets Climb, but Fed Remains Cautious on Inflation

Rate Cuts on the Table, But Fed Wants More Proof October 9, 2025
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Changes in the Market are on display Cautious Eyes on Inflation: The Fed Weighs Rate Cuts Amid Market Jitters"

Good Morning,

Markets are hitting new highs after Fed minutes revealed policymakers are open to rate cut, but still wary of inflation. We break down what that cautious tone means for stocks at record levels, why tech is leading the charge, and how sticky prices could delay relief on borrowing costs. If you’re indexed to the S&P or leaning into rate sensitive sectors, this one’s worth your read.

Ford faces employee backlash over strict return-to-office mandates, Tesla gets downgraded amid cash flow concerns despite stock gains, and Bark pivots its investor strategy toward engaged retail communities on X and Discord.

Yesterday, you told me how you really felt with your feedback. Thank you for all the responses. More opertunites for your voice to be heard below.

And with that, here are your Morning Bullets.

– Truly yours, Fred Frost


📈 Yesterday's Market Recap

Markets edged up yesterday with a cautious optimism, as Bitcoin surged past $123,000 and major indices held steady amidst mixed signals from hedge fund outflows. Tech and crypto led the charge, though financials took a hit on credit concerns.


  • Bitcoin Hits $123K: Corporate buying and ETF demand pushed BTC up 1.57%, signaling renewed crypto confidence. → Benzinga

  • Hedge Funds Dump Financials: A $670M selloff last week reflects fears of credit risks after a major bankruptcy. → Finance Monthly

  • Lam Research Selloff: Shares dropped nearly 6% recently but rebounded slightly, with technicals hinting at more pain. → Seeking Alpha


📈 Daily Performance Snapshot

Index/Asset Closing Value Change
S&P 500 6,753.72 +0.58%
Nasdaq 23,043.38 +1.12%
Dow Jones 46,601.78 0%
Gold $4062.40 -0.2%
Crude Oil $62.20 -0.56%
Bitcoin $123,060 +0.16%
10-yr Treasury Yield 4.129% +0.05%

🔭 What to Watch Today

Today’s calendar is packed with events that could sway markets, from Fed speeches to earnings reports, as investors hunt for clues on rates and corporate health.

  • Jerome Powell Speech: Fed Chair Powell speaks today, with markets eager for hints on rate cut timing amid tariff uncertainty. → Stocktwits
  • PepsiCo Earnings Reaction: After beating Q3 estimates, watch how PepsiCo’s stock moves with new CFO news in focus. → Seeking Alpha
  • Delta Air Lines Report: Delta’s Q3 beat expectations; investors will gauge if travel demand holds amid economic noise. → Benzinga

  • 💡 Opportunity Watch

    Amid today’s market churn, a few themes stand out as potential plays for the sharp-eyed investor.

    • Taiwan Semiconductor (TSM): Surging 54% YTD on AI and HPC demand, TSM could benefit further from OpenAI’s GPU deals. → Benzinga
    • Rocket Lab (RKLB): Up 141% YTD with new launch contracts, RKLB offers exposure to the booming space sector. → MarketBeat
    • Dell Technologies (DELL): AI hardware demand drives growth; Dell’s valuation still looks attractive despite recent rally. → Seeking Alpha

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    🔥 The Big Bullet

    Fed minutes show policymakers still wary of inflation

    What happened: The Federal Reserve released minutes from its latest meeting, showing that while many policymakers are open to cutting interest rates, they are still concerned about inflation. Even with recent signs of price growth slowing, officials noted ongoing pressures from tariffs and wage increases. Most participants agreed that rate cuts could happen soon, but not before seeing more proof that inflation is steadily heading toward the 2% target. The discussion also included the impact of global economic uncertainty and how future decisions might balance between supporting growth and keeping prices stable. Some members emphasized the importance of not moving too fast, especially with consumer spending holding steady. This cautious approach suggests the Fed is trying to manage both inflation control and economic resilience. The minutes did not hint at a specific timeline for cuts, keeping markets guessing. All in all, the Fed appears to be walking a fine line between patience and action.


    Why it matters: The Fed’s careful stance on interest rates affects almost everything in the financial world, from mortgage rates to the stock market. Even though major indexes hit record highs after the minutes were released, investors remain uncertain about when the Fed will actually act. Holding rates steady for too long could slow borrowing and investment. On the other hand, cutting too soon might let inflation stick around longer than desired. The Fed's choices could also influence bond yields, credit card rates, and job market stability. Small investors are particularly sensitive to these shifts, as they often react quickly to signs of easier or tighter monetary policy. The mix of optimism and caution shown in the minutes means we’re likely to see more short-term market swings. Understanding the Fed’s next steps can help households and investors plan smarter. The key message: don’t expect sharp moves either way just yet.

    What’s next: All eyes are now on upcoming inflation reports, especially the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which could tip the Fed's hand. If inflation cools further, it might open the door for a rate cut in early 2026. But if prices heat up again, the Fed will likely wait. Also important is how the job market performs over the next few months, as strong employment can push wages up, adding to inflation pressure. Traders will closely watch Fed speeches and data releases for hints of any shift in tone. Meanwhile, some investors are hedging by moving into gold and other safe-haven assets. With gold prices surging alongside stocks, the mixed signals suggest that uncertainty still rules. Keep an eye on the bond market. It often reacts before the Fed does. Bottom line: patience may pay off, but don’t ignore the warning signs.


    Reader Feedback

    Yesterday, your feedback was mixed, with the majority only being 38% saying the market going down this week is normal.

    Philip from New Jersey weighed in: “I don’t think anyone is really to blame. The market goes up and down all the time, it’s just how it works. People shouldn’t panic every time it drops a little.”

    Here's what I'm asking you today:

    The Fed says it might cut interest rates soon, but only if inflation keeps falling. Who do you think is making it harder for prices to go down?

    Login or Subscribe to participate

    As always if your opinion is not here, or you want to throw your two cents at me, reply to the E-mail, and let me know your exact thoughts.


    🧭 Policy & Market Ripples

    • Ford’s RTO Pushback: Ford’s strict 4-day office mandate sparks employee unrest, with threats of termination over attendance. → Fortune
    • Tesla Downgrade: Analyst Florian Muller cuts Tesla to Sell, citing declining cash flow despite a 38% stock surge. → Seeking Alpha
    • Bark’s Retail Investor Pivot: CEO Matt Meeker shifts focus to retail investors via X and Discord, ditching institutional courting. → Benzinga

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    Yesterday, 90% of you chose the right answer to the trivia question: To earn profit from lending money over time


    Money grows on the tree of persistence.
    – Japanese proverb
    Thanks for Reading.

    Stay Sharp, Stay Focused.
    Fredrick Frost
    Editor, MorningBullets

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